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Getting into College:
» Acing Your College Interview
Types of Interviews
If You Could Be One Type Of Interview, What Would You Be?
Interviews vary depending on the school, student, and particular situation. Each type of interview should be approached differently.
Admission officers
This is what most people think of when they think of interviews. You set up an appointment with staff in the college admission office. They learn about you, and you learn about the college.
The student interview
Students don't usually take part in admission discussions, but their interview notes are filed in your application folder. You may find it easier to talk with a student, but your objective -- presenting yourself in the best light -- should remain the same.
The alumni interview
Usually arranged by the college after you've filed an application, this is typically held in the home or office of an alumni of the college. The interviewer may be an older, more traditional graduate or a recent graduate closer to your age. Don't think that because you're not on campus the interview has any less weight.
Group interviews
More and more colleges are turning to this type of informational session. Parents and students are invited to meet in small groups with admission staff and current students. The counselor talks about the college, and perhaps shows a video presentation, while asking for questions from the group. This is a good time for you to ask questions and learn from others' queries.
High school visits
A college representative, most often an admission counselor or a recent graduate from your high school, may talk at your high school or local college fair. Be sure to introduce yourself to the representative. Hopefully, you'll land a business card and a valuable contact.
The Audition
Music, drama, and dance schools often hold auditions rather than interviews to evaluate candidates. Auditions are held on specific dates at the college or in designated cities around the country. Art schools have their own form of an audition -- the portfolio. Every school has different requirements, so check to make sure you know what's expected.
Special-interest sessions
- Sports: If you're an athlete and want to play on a college team, arrange a meeting or a phone call with the coach. Bring your scrapbook, statistics, or other information that will help give a clear view of your talents. Consider asking your high school coach to send a letter to the college on your behalf.
- Specific fields of study: Talk to students who are majoring in your desired field and make an appointment with a faculty member or advisor in the department. If you schedule a campus visit, be sure to sit in on a class.
- Activities: If you plan on participating in an activity, such as the newspaper, band, or the radio station, speak to students who take part. It's a good way to find out what the people are like and what your chances are of getting involved.
Practice Interviews
Warming Up For The Hot Seat
Before you do the real thing, try a practice interview. Invite a family member or friend to practice with you, each of you taking turns as the interviewer and the interviewee. That way, you'll become accustomed to both asking and answering questions.
Don't memorize responses
Do have some starting points for your answers and questions. Don't memorize a speech so you sound like a robot, though. Preserve your spontaneity and your ability to respond to the interviewer as a real, live person.
Know what to expect
Very often, the questions most asked by college interviewers remain the same at different schools. Admission staff just want to make sure that you can speak intelligently about your grades, scores, and goals. They'll ask questions like:
- Why do you want to attend our university?
- What will you contribute?
- What courses have you enjoyed most?
- Are your grades an accurate reflection of your potential?
- Which one of your activities is most rewarding and why?
- What has been your biggest achievement?
- What's your opinion on [fill in current event]?
- How did you spend last summer?
- What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
- What's the most difficult situation you've faced?
- If you could change one thing about your high school, what would it be?
When the questions are tough, or you don't know the answer
"Can you conduct this entire interview without using the word 'I'?" There isn't any way to prepare for a curve-ball question except to recognize that the possibility exists. If you get frazzled, say "I'll have to think that over. Is it okay if I write you about this?" Remember, it's much better to say, "I don't know," than to pretend to be an expert.
Your first interview
Consider scheduling your first interview at a college where your chances of admission are high, a "safety" school. This gives you a taste of the real thing without the pressure. Save the interviews at your "reach" colleges for when you've gained experience and confidence.
Interview Do's And Don'ts
Read Before You Go
Good news: interviewing expertise is something you can learn. Here are some quick pointers:
DO...
- Research the college
Read the school's catalogs and visit its Web site. You'll ask smarter questions and provide well-informed answers.
- Practice
Get familiar with questions most interviewers ask. Practice responding, even videotaping yourself to see how you do.
- Dress appropriately
Dress neatly without overdressing. If in doubt, call the admission office to ask what is typically worn.
- Get directions and arrive on time
Call the college directly or visit its Web site for directions. Bring a map so you don't get lost.
- Be outgoing and confident
Show what sets you apart from other applicants. Answer all questions honestly, but in the best light.
- Be familiar with your academic background
You may be asked about your test scores, class rank, latest grades, and courses. Consider bringing an unofficial transcript with you, so you can discuss it. You should also be able to describe your high school.
- Be ready to discuss your life outside of the classroom
What activities and hobbies have you enjoyed most? Have you done any community service?
- Know how to calm yourself
An interview can be stressful. You're in the hot seat, after all. Learn some techniques, such as deep breathing, that can help you simmer down.
- Be yourself
Sure, it sounds like such a big cliche, but think about it. The interviewer isn't looking for a certain type. He or she wants to talk to a real person -- you.
- Pick up forms or other resources
See a financial aid form? Offered a business card? Grab them.
- Jot down notes after the interview
You know how you always think of a better response a few minutes after being posed a question? Write down that response along with any other observations. Your notes can help you improve for future interviews and make final decisions about which college to choose.
- Follow up with a thank-you note
A short message thanking your interviewer is courteous. Try to refer to something that the two of you discussed. Again, the notes you take post-interview will come in handy.
DON'T...
- be late
- memorize speeches -- sound natural, conversational
- ask questions that are covered by the college catalog
- chew gum
- wear lots of cologne or perfume
- swear or use too much slang
- be arrogant -- there's a fine line between being confident and boasting
- lie -- it will come back to haunt you
- respond with only "yes" or "no" answers
- tell the school it's your safety
- be rude to the receptionist or any other staff you meet
- bring a parent into the interview
- refuse an interview -- this is usually noted
Most importantly, keep the interview in perspective. It's not an interrogation. It's an exchange between two people learning about each other.
Interview Checklist
Transcript? Check. ACT/SAT scores? Check. Pants? Oops!
Print out this checklist to make sure you're absolutely, positively ready for the interview.
Before
- Make an interview appointment at a college in which I'm interested.
- Mark the date and time on my calendar or datebook.
- Learn what type of interview to expect -- such as a student interview vs. an alumni interview.
- Research the college by reading its brochure and course catalog and visiting its Web site.
- Make notes about why I want to attend this college.
- Try several practice interviews where I take turns being the interviewer andinterviewee.
- Review the questions an interviewer might ask and think about what my answers will be.
- Prepare questions I want to ask the interviewer.
- Get directions to the college's campus and admission office.
- Lay out an appropriate interview outfit.
- Gather any documents I might need, such as my test scores and high school transcript.
After
- Make notes about the conversation, for thank-you note material or future reference.
- Pick up financial aid forms.
- Take any business cards that are offered, for contact information.
- Schedule a campus tour, if I didn't tour before the interview.
- Ask if I can sit in on a class.
- Breathe a sigh of relief.
College Interview FAQs
The Basics
Here are some frequently asked questions (and answers) about the college interview process.
What is an interview?
An interview is a chance to show that you're more than just test scores and grades. It's an exchange of information -- you learn about the college and the college learns about you. It can last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.
Do I have to?
Most colleges don't require an interview; however, there are many benefits to meeting face-to-face with an admission officer. For example, perhaps you:
- Feel your college application can't possibly convey your warm and shining personality.
- Are interested in the college, but want to learn more about its study abroad opportunities, science program, or whatever else interests you.
- Want to explain why your grades slipped.
How important is it, in the big picture?
The interview is one of many factors in the admission decision. Admission directors usually say that the interview is rarely the deciding one. Still, if a borderline student turns out to be impressive, the interviewer has the authority to write a letter in support.
What if I bomb?
It's not the third degree and there's no pass or fail. Unless you show up in a t-shirt and cut-offs and spew profanities, chances are the interview is not going to make or break you. As long as you've prepared and practiced, you'll probably make a good impression.
What will the admission staff learn about me?
The staff learns about you from a slew of papers: your transcript, test scores, and application. While your essay and recommendations can offer an impression of who you are, words on paper can reveal only so much. The interview is your chance to be your own advocate by talking positively about your interests and enthusiasms, to show your personality, and to boost your chance of admission.
Should I explain any holes or problems in my transcript?
This is a good time to explain a hitch in your transcript or discuss any personal circumstances that affected your studies. Problems that you may find difficult to write about in the application are often easier to discuss with a sympathetic admission counselor. For example, perhaps:
- You may not be the best math student, but it never stopped you from taking AP calculus -- tell the interviewer why you persisted despite such difficulties.
- During sophomore year, your parents divorced, and your academic work took a downturn.
- You have a learning disability and need to make extra effort with every assignment.
What will I learn about the college?
Are you sure this is the college for you? The interview can help you discover characteristics that colleges can't convey in a catalog. If an interviewer asks, "Why did you choose Florida University?" ask him back, "What do you think draws students here?"
What should I ask the admission officer, if they ask for questions?
Asking questions shows that you're interested in the college and what the admission officer has to say. You should always have a question in mind about the college or your major field to show that you have a deep interest in attending the school. You can also ask a general question, such as, "Do you have any advice for me?"
Getting into College
Deciding Where to Apply
Creating a Powerful Application
Letters of Recommendation/Essays
» Acing Your College Interview
Making Your Final Choice
The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.
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